The United States had earlier also shared its concern over the entire matter. The State Department, in a clear message to Pakistan said that it is concerned about human rights situation in both the regions.

US State Department spokesperson Mark C Toner said the US was concerned about the "human rights situation" there and had "reported it for several years in our Human Rights Report".

Earlier, during his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came out openly in support of "freedom" for Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "I want to speak a bit about the people in Balochistan, Gilgit, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The world is watching. People of Balochistan, Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have thanked me a lot in the past few days. I am grateful to them," PM Modi had said.